Not only did the 24-year-old suspect allegedly stab the 15-year-old transgender girl in the back as she rode on a Metro train in Washington, D.C.

Suspect Reginald Klaiber, 24police photo

The suspect allegedly made "bias-motivated remarks about the victim's transgender status," police said.

Now, officials say the repugnant act could add up to a hate crime.

According to the Associated Press, Reginald Klaiber has been charged with assault with a deadly weapon, but could face enhanced penalties for a hate crime. This could see his sentence multiplied 1 1/2 times, media outlets are reporting.

The 15-year-old was taken to a hospital with a non-life-threatening stab wound.

How could someone's mere presence on a train elicit this level of alleged violence and hate?

And what should happen to this suspect who apparently could not control his bias and anger against a young girl?